Special Representative for Iraq Congratulates Iraqis on Elections

Mar 8, 2010

Baghdad – I congratulate the more than 12
million Iraqis who went to the polls, some braving insecurity, to cast
their ballots for a better future, marking the historic character of
election day. This turnout was beyond the expectations of many. I
commend the IHEC Board of Commissioners and the more than 300,000 Iraqis
engaged by IHEC, for their efforts to conduct elections in a well
organized and professional fashion. UNAMI is proud to have supported
their work.

I congratulate the Iraqi Security forces, who were
solely responsible for all security on election-day for safeguarding the
electoral process, despite efforts by some to deter Iraqis from
voting. There can be no doubt that the Iraqi people stand together in
their wish that reason prevails over confrontation and violence.

UNAMI
visited polling centers in Anbar, Ninewa, Kirkuk, Erbil, Najaf,
Sulaimania, Salahadin, Diyala, Basra, Dohuk and Baghdad. We were
pleased with the conduct of the vote and the evident enthusiasm for the
elections among the different Iraqi communities. I join Iraqi and
international leaders in the call for patience and restraint as the
results are counted and tabulated. I also encourage political agents and
observers to continue to monitor the process, and to direct any
complaints to the IHEC in accordance with the law. Only IHEC can
announce the official results of these elections, which will be
certified by the Federal Supreme Court.

The most crucial moment
will arrive when the results are announced. The UN calls on all
candidates and parties to unite in accepting the results. This will set
an example for a culture of democracy that requires commitment beyond
elections. The UN also calls on all those newly elected to move
resolutely to seat parliament and form the new government so that
political, economic and social progress is not delayed.